History & NatureFt. Pierce Inlet State Park’s half-mile stretch of white sand is not just another sunny Florida beach. During World War II, it was the birthplace and training ground for U.S. Navy Frogmen, forerunners of today’s Navy Seals. Here, many of the 140,000 personnel stationed in the area practiced for the D-Day invasion of Europe. “Dynamite Point” earned its name from the activities of the Navy Underwater Demolition Team.

The park, located in St. Lucie County, consists of two separate sections. The smaller part, the state park, borders the north shore of Ft. Pierce Inlet and fronts on the Atlantic Ocean. The other part is the larger Jack Island Preserve, which is 1.5 miles north of the park. Together they offer a history lesson and a chance to discover eight biological communities typical of the barrier islands that line Florida’s east coast.

Ft. Pierce’s military connection dates back further than World War II. It was named for the U.S. Army fort built in 1838 during the Second Seminole War by Lt. Col. Benjamin Pierce. The fort was accessible from the ocean through the old Indian River Inlet, a natural waterway located just northeast of Jack Island. When the inlet closed in the early 1900s, an inlet was cut at its present location in Ft. Pierce.

Florida State Parks Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Division of Recreation and Parks

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park 905 Shorewinds Drive / N. A1A

Fort Pierce, Florida 34949 (772) 468-3985

FloridaStateParks.org

Park Guidelines• Hours are 8 a.m. until sunset, 365 days

a year. • An entrance fee is required. Additional user

fees may apply.• The collection, destruction or disturbance

of plants, animals or park property is prohibited.

• Pets are permitted in designated areas only. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well behaved at all times.

• Fishing, boating, swimming and fires are allowed in designated areas only. Please use and observe diver-down flags. A Florida fishing license may be required.

• Fireworks and hunting are prohibited. • Become a volunteer. Inquire at the

ranger station. • Florida’s state parks are committed to

providing equal access to all facilities and programs. Should you need assistance to enable your participation, please contact the ranger station.

Alternate format available upon request at any Florida state park.

FLORIDAState Parks

Created on 11/14

Southeast Florida

Fort Pierce InletState Park

Historic beach of today’s U.S. Navy Seals

SM

National Gold Medal WinnerFlorida State Parks - “America’s First Three-Time Winner”

Real Fun in SM

The shores and coastal waters at this park provide an abundance of recreational opportunities. The breathtakingly beautiful half-mile beach welcomes visitors for swimming, snorkeling, surfing and SCUBA diving. Beachcombing, picnicking or just relaxing on the sand are also popular activities.

Fort Pierce Inlet State Park is best known for its firm sandy beach and its beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean. Beachgoers can access the beach from one of four boardwalks over the dunes. A reef 100 yards from the shore is popular with SCUBA divers and snorkelers, who enjoy exploring the tropical sea life below the surface. The waves bring surfers to the shore. Take a stroll to look for seashells in a variety of shapes and colors.

Because the island is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, all types of coastal and migratory birds use the park for habitat and food sources. Spend the afternoon canoeing or kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon. Fishing for bluefish, snook, red drum, flounder and trout is popular.

The Oak Hammock Trail provides a leisurely 30-minute walk through a native forest of gumbo limbo, red bay and a variety of oaks. A bicycle path winds through the park to the playground, picnic area with covered pavilions and the beach.

A primitive youth camp is available to non-profit organizations.

The park offers a variety of ranger-led activities and volunteer opportunities. Please call the Ranger Station or check our web site for more information.

DirectionsFort Pierce Inlet State Park is located four miles east of Fort Pierce, via North Causeway.